Recent Posts in the Family Law Category

• Understanding Grandparents’ Visitation Rights in Washington

  Jun 5, 2023
  Child custody can be one of the most stressful parts of a Washington divorce. From evaluating parental fitness to addressing instances of child abuse or neglect, establishing custodial rights and visitation schedules can be nerve-racking for the whole family. From parents to grandparents to aunts and uncles, the vast majority of relatives truly want what’s best for children after divorce . Fortunately, this is exactly what Washington courts desire, too. Rest assured that the judge will always determine child custody ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Importance of Hiring an Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyer

  May 22, 2023
  For the vast majority of people, going through a divorce is rarely easy. From heated litigation in court to negotiating issues like spousal support and child custody , divorce proceedings can take a heavy toll on the well-being of Washington families, often leading to increased stress and high-running emotions in family courts. Fortunately, it’s possible for couples to avoid a contentious divorce. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a popular way to resolve family law disputes. ADR options can provide families with the ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Dividing Business Assets in a Divorce

  May 3, 2023
  Breaking up (a business) is hard to do. The number of small and closely-held businesses has increased over the years-and so has the number of business assets in need of allocation or division in divorce proceedings. This can make a divorce much more complex. There are three scenarios that can typically occur when dividing a business in a divorce: Most often: The business is awarded to the spouse with the greater involvement and the other spouse is compensated. Sometimes: The court can order the business to be sold and the ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• What to Expect in an Initial Consultation with a Divorce Lawyer

  Apr 28, 2023
  Filing for divorce is rarely an easy choice to make. How couples choose to navigate and prepare for the divorce process can have significant important legal and financial ramifications for all involved, making it all the more vital to hire the right divorce lawyer before taking legal steps or signing any contracts. Many Washington and Oregon families are understandably intimidated by the complexities of divorce, from deciphering legal jargon to meeting important deadlines to filing the correct forms. Scheduling an initial ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• What to Expect in a Mediated Divorce

  Apr 14, 2023
  More often than not, divorce is a difficult and stressful time for couples. After deciding on a divorce, there are various ways to dissolve a marriage in Washington state. One option available to eligible couples is divorce mediation , an alternative dispute resolution process that facilitates a mutually agreed-upon resolution through the help of a neutral third-party mediator. Unlike contested divorces, which often entail expensive and time-consuming litigation in the courtroom, the goal of a mediated divorce is to help ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• How Child Support Is Determined When a Parent Has No Income

  Apr 10, 2023
  If you don't have a source of income and cannot afford child support, you will still be required to make a monthly child support payment. If a parent does not have a source of income, the court may calculate income based on prior work history and/or the parent’s potential earning capacity. For example, if a parent is unemployed or underemployed, the court may look at the parent’s previous employment history to determine how much they are capable of earning again in the future. Essentially, your child support obligation will ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• What to Expect When Divorcing a Narcissist

  Mar 21, 2023
  While no divorce is pleasant, divorcing a narcissistic spouse can heighten the stakes considerably. It’s important to enter a divorce with a clear head and realistic expectations. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done, especially if the marriage in question entails a history of physical, financial, or emotional abuse. However, with the help of an experienced divorce attorney , there are effective strategies to minimize the financial and emotional tolls of divorcing a narcissist. Keep reading to learn how spouses ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Proving Neglect in a Child Custody Case

  Jan 26, 2023
  Child custody cases in which one parent accuses the other of neglecting their children deal with some of the most complicated and emotionally agonizing matters. In the context of family law , any activity or behavior by a parent that threatens the physical or emotional wellbeing of a child can be considered abuse or neglect. Because of the serious nature of child neglect allegations, parents seeking custody or modification of an existing custody agreement must do more than simply tell a judge that the other parent is ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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